Nato sets Jerez GP2 test pace for Racing Engineering

Racing Engineering's Norman Nato sets the pace on the first day of the GP2 pre-season test in Spain, ahead of Pierre Gasly and Jordan King.

Racing Engineering's Norman Nato has topped the first day of the latest GP2 Series pre-season test at Jerez, ahead of countryman Pierre Gasly.

The Frenchman, who enters into his second season with the Spanish team having debuted with Arden last year, topped the timesheets in the generally faster morning session as one of only to two drivers to dip below 1min 26secs.

Hot on his heels was Gasly with GP2 debutants PREMA Racing, the Red Bull Junior fastest in the afternoon but setting his best time of the day in the morning behind Nato.

Making it two Racing Engineering drivers inside the top three, Jordan King led fellow Briton Alex Lynn in third and fourth, with top rookie Antonio Giovanazzi completing a strong day for multiple F3 champions PREMA in fifth position.